It is with deep regret that I have to report the loss of a dear old friend of mine who has served me well for many years.

At approximately 08:30 on Friday 22 July, after 5 days away from home, I left my hotel room in London and checked out of the hotel. I had a busy week at work and didn't give a thought to my friend until this evening when I went to my wine fridge and pulled out one of his favourite ports, a Warre's LBV 1995.

Two minutes later I realised that he was gone forever. I am devastated. No one will ever take his place.

Did I miss something , or are we mourning the loss of an inanimate object . . . I could understand mourning the loss of a loved one , or one who wasn't loved , or a pet , even an insect , but then again , this is afterall , meaningless drivel

A slightly late update. Approximately eight years later I found my long lost friend in a box in my loft wrapped in kitchen roll and surrounded by port glasses wrapped in a similar manner. I forgave my (now) wife immediately and put it down to experience.